Aiming to begin operations at the start of the heating season in 2023, Germany’s 5th FSRU will have an annual importing capacity of about 5 bcm and contribute to enhancing Europe’s and Germany’s energy security, accelerating its energy independence, and achieving full net zero by the middle of the century.
The five-year-chartered FSRU will be provided by Excelerate Energy, following negotiations led by Engie, and will be stationed in Wilhelmshaven, where TES already owns 145 hectares of land and has been developing the hydrogen terminal since 2019 to start large-scale imports by 2025.
TES is already scaling up the production of 5.5m tonnes of reliable on-demand green hydrogen, and aims to supply 250 TWh of green gas annually.
Within the first year that the FSRU is in service, TES aims to seamlessly integrate the import of green molecules, enabling a quick and effective transition to green energy.
ENGIE is responsible for chartering of the FSRU on behalf of the BMWK, for part of its LNG supply, and with TES for the development and the operation of the FSRU.
Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, said by importing liquefied natural gas (LNG), it is becoming less dependent on imports of Russian pipeline gas.
“And all steps that free us from the uncertainty of Russian imports as quickly as possible are more necessary than ever in these times,” he said.
“At the same time, we are accelerating the import of green hydrogen in parallel, making Wilhelmshaven an important landing point for safe and sustainable energy in Europe.”
Marco Alvera’, CEO of TES – which successfully concluded its second fundraising round at €65m in July – said Germany’s new FSRU will accelerate TES’s hydrogen strategy.
“Our new project will accelerate the development of Europe’s largest Green Energy Hub,” he said.
“Our unique model converts wind and sunshine into renewable, affordable, and secure natural gas using existing infrastructure to deliver green energy in Europe.”
Patrick Lammers, COO of E.ON, said, “Through the project, we have the opportunity to help ensure energy security in the short term and to secure future access to green gases for our customers. Our goal is to support our customers in Germany and Europe in their green transformation and to meet the increased demand for green gases.”
Manfred Schmitz, CEO Engie Deutschland, said, “We are pleased to be part of this partnership and to contribute our expertise in energy infrastructure and LNG. Together with our partners, we will contribute to securing gas supplies for Europe and Germany from the end of 2023.”